Online you will find lists of categories of annoying cruisers, bemoaning the fact that too many people become annoying, irresponsible and selfish on board. I wanted to share another thought about another bad habit every cruiser should avoid.

Do not be a chair hog.

This topic seems to cause the most discussion, upset and complaints about fellow passengers. The three main areas it takes place is (1) around the pool or sun decks where guests place books, magazine and towels first thing in the morning on loungers and then head off to eat or do other things, (2) in the buffet restaurants where people book tables and then go off to fetch food and (3) in the theatres. Although all cruise lines have a policy on booking loungers and chairs, they are usually not very strong in enforcing it. The reason is that the crew tend to take the flack from irate passengers who are seat hogs. Some lines, like the Carnival Group ones, say they will remove items left unattended for 30 minutes and may do. However, if everyone just used loungers and chairs in the restaurant when they needed them the problem of finding a seat would be removed in most all cases.